In six matches, Alan Peacock scored three goals for England in the 1960s
Alan Peacock, a former England, Leeds, and Middlesbrough centre forward, has confirmed that he has Alzheimer's and has been diagnosed in 2018.
The Teessider, now 83, was paired with Brian Clough while he was at Boro. He won promotion to Leeds under Don Revie, and played in the 1962 World Cup.
Peacock ended his career scoring 172 goals in 315 matches. He decided to make the public announcement to increase awareness.
He said, "It is saddening to hear about many of my former team-mates."
"In 2018, I was diagnosed with vascular dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. It didn't sink in at the time. But, as the years have passed, I realize that I'm not the same man I was just a few short years ago.
Peacock's admission is made as fellow 1960s stars such as Denis Law, Manchester United striker and Scotland, have publicly acknowledged their struggles.
After Jeff Astle's 2002 death from brain injury, the West Bromwich Albion forward has been campaigning for brain disease research since then.
The forward, who was also a former player at Plymouth, said: "Although I felt lucky that my career was cut short by injury, it was sad and depressing." Maybe if I had continued to play, I might have been affected at an earlier age.
There has been much debate about whether the weight of old footballs, particularly when they were wet, could have contributed to the increase in cases of the disease. It was at times like being a cannonball. Having said all that, I wouldn’t change a thing.
"I love the game and I am very proud to have been able to play for my home, Leeds United, and my country.
